Election watchdog considering EU officials to observe Thai election

BANGKOK, June 12 -- Thailand's Election Commission (EC) is considering a request by the European Union (EU) to send its officials to monitor a general election to be held in the country on July 3 with permission likely to be granted, an EC official said Sunday.

Election Commissioner Prapan Naikowit told journalists that the EU had sent a letter asking whether it was possible to send its officials to observe the general election in Thailand on that day.

"We believe that the election would be held under transparency, fairness and meet international standards," said Mr Prapan, adding that the country does not forbid anyone from monitoring the upcoming election.

Asked whether there would be any negative effect on the election results if the EU makes any complaints toward the election, he said it is too early to make such a prediction as preparations for the election are being made efficiently.

Mr Prapan's remarks were made as he and several senior officials, including national police chief Pol Gen Wichien Pojphosri, attended a special programme on the election held near Ratchaprasong intesection, Bangkok's prime business centre. Several new faces contesting for lower house seats also attended the session.

Pol Gen Wichien, meanwhile, said about 100,000 policemen would be assigned to provide security on election day throughout the country. He reiterated that police has no role in taking opinion survey for the election and had ordered for an investigation.

The police chief was responding to an opinion survey conducted recently by Special Branch Police, the results of which were reported by several local newspapers. (MCOT online news)